Alameda County, California, was established on March 25, 1853, from parts of Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties and is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, stretching from Oakland (the county seat) eastward through the Livermore Valley. The county’s name derives from the Spanish word alameda, meaning a tree-lined avenue or grove, likely referencing the willows along local waterways. The region was originally inhabited by Ohlone (Costanoan) peoples, whose villages and shell mounds are archaeologically significant, particularly along the Bay shoreline. During the Spanish and Mexican periods, the land was organized into ranchos, including Rancho San Antonio, Rancho San Leandro, and others, which were later subdivided after California statehood in 1850. Alameda County became a central hub of railroads, agriculture, industry, and later urban development, especially after the arrival of the Transcontinental Railroad terminus in Oakland.
Genealogical resources in Alameda County include mission and rancho records (pre‑1850), land grants, probate files, court documents, voter registrations, naturalizations, vital records, and extensive city directories and newspapers. Key repositories include the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, the Oakland FamilySearch Library, the California State Archives, and the California Genealogical Society, as well as local historical societies in cities like Livermore, Fremont, and Berkeley.
This page links to known California Funeral Records whether they be available online or offline. Funeral records are an invaluable source of genealogical information that can provide insight into the lives and deaths of our ancestors. They offer a wealth of details on the deceased and their family, including their names, ages, dates of death, causes of death, and other key information.
Leslie J. Freeman’s “Alameda County: Past and Present” is a historical account of the development of Alameda County in California. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the native Indian tribes who inhabited the area to the Spanish Dons who claimed vast ranchos, and the early American settlers who established cities like Oakland and San Leandro. Freeman details the founding of missions, the development of transportation and industry, the evolution of social life, and the establishment of government institutions. The text also provides biographies of key figures in the county’s history, including William Heath Davis, Jose Joaquin Estudillo, and Anthony Chabot. Freeman emphasizes the importance of the Spanish Missions in the early development of California and describes the evolution of the county from a sparsely populated, agricultural area to a major center of industry and commerce.
“Queen of the Hills” is a historical account that explores the rich and detailed history of Piedmont, a picturesque city located in Alameda County, California. Authored by Evelyn Craig Pattiani, this book delves into the city’s development from its early days through various significant periods, providing a chronicle of its growth and transformation.
A collection of 585,940 California automobile registrations for 1921 as published in 14 volumes, complete with name, address, type of auto and engine number
H. C. Tuchsen, born in Germany on February 11, 1864, immigrated to the United States at a young age, eventually settling in California. With over twenty years in San Mateo County, he became a notable real estate operator, improving the county by attracting settlers and fostering development. His leadership roles, including President of the Redwood City Board of Trade and City Trustee, highlight his commitment to the community. Married in 1897, he has two children and is highly regarded for his expertise in real estate appraisal.
George Carl Plump, born in Redwood City 45 years ago, has witnessed the town’s transformation from a small settlement to a thriving city. After completing his education in local schools, he became the owner of Plump’s Grocery store. His community involvement led to his election as city clerk eight years ago, a position he has successfully retained. A dedicated advocate for public interests, Mr. Plump also contributed to the local orchestra. He married in 1909 and has two young daughters.
Robert W. Mantz is completing his fifth year as the first supervising principal of Redwood City public schools, where enrollment has grown from 300 to nearly 600 students. Under his leadership, the school introduced California’s first public school playground and innovative curriculum including sewing and cooking. Mantz also established a renowned manual training laboratory and organized successful art exhibits. Previously, he served in various educational roles, and his contributions extend beyond academics to community involvement through local organizations. His family is also actively engaged in education.
Alphonsus S. Liguori, a prominent figure in Redwood City, is known for his dual roles as a salt manufacturer and superintendent of the Redwood Water Company. Active in fraternal organizations, he played a pivotal role in bringing the 1916 Foresters convention to the city and served as secretary of the Foresters Hall Association. Liguori has held various leadership positions in the Native Sons, Redmen lodge, and other fraternal groups. Born on September 1, 1882, he has dedicated much of his life to community service and fraternal engagement.
Kenneth M. Green, born on July 25, 1887, in Oakland, California, is a prominent attorney based in San Mateo with a substantial legal practice. A local product, he graduated from San Mateo Grammar and Union High Schools, later attending Stanford University before studying law in San Francisco. Admitted to practice in 1909, he holds various leadership positions in fraternal organizations and is passionate about poultry, serving as President of the San Mateo County Poultry Association. He is the eldest son of the late Milton J. Green.
Loren Coburn, born on January 11, 1826, in Vermont, migrated to California in 1851, initially seeking fortune in mining. After successful ventures in the northern mines, he transitioned to the livery business in Oakland and San Francisco. Coburn acquired significant land holdings, including the Punto del Ano Nuevo Rancho and additional properties in Monterey County. He became a respected figure in Pescadero, where he engaged in dairy and stock farming. Coburn was married twice, first to Mary Antoinette Upton, followed by her sister, Satira S. Upton.
William H. Brown, Supervisor from the Second Township, played a pivotal role in developing San Mateo County’s highway system. His vision led to the creation of scenic boulevards that attract numerous visitors. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of nearly all paved roads in the township. Brown initiated the good roads movement in 1912, resulting in a significant bond issue for infrastructure. Active in local governance and community development, he also contributed to the San Mateo fire department and the County Development Association. Born in 1862, Brown dedicated much of his life to California and its communities.
Dr. William Ansyl Brooke, born 52 years ago near Placerville, studied medicine at Cooper Medical College in San Francisco. He began his career in Sacramento before relocating to Alameda and eventually settling in Halfmoon Bay eleven years ago. A respected member of the San Mateo Medical Society, he was appointed Coroner and Public Administrator in 1915. His professional skill and personal charm have endeared him to the community, and he is also affiliated with several fraternal organizations, including the Masons and Eagles.
L. P. Behrens, a prominent figure in San Mateo County, has significantly impacted local finance as the cashier of the First National Bank and president of the San Mateo County Savings Bank. His leadership was recognized when he served as president of the California Bankers Association, a notable achievement for a county with limited representation. Behrens has been instrumental in financing large business ventures and supporting community initiatives, such as the $1,250,000 bond for road improvements. He also contributed to public service through the San Mateo County Development Association and the Sequoia Union high school board.
Peter Goyette, born on April 5, 1841, in East Canada, near Montreal, emigrated to the United States in 1858, where he engaged in various occupations before settling in Union County. Over thirty years, he became a prominent agriculturist and stockman, cultivating a significant estate in High Valley. Married twice, he had several children and was known for his integrity and dedication to his community. A member of the Catholic Church, Goyette’s life exemplifies the achievements of immigrants in the American West.
Arthur Douglas Baldwin, born on April 8, 1876, in the Hawaiian Islands, was a prominent lawyer educated at Yale and Harvard. He married Reba Louise Williams in 1902 and had five children. Baldwin served on the Ohio Children’s Law codification commission and was a Progressive candidate for state representation in 1912. He contributed to various civic organizations, including the Cleveland Federation for Charity, and was involved in local governance. His leisure interests included horseback riding and tennis.
S. H. Weis was born in New York City in September 1888 and received his education in Cleveland’s grammar and high schools, as well as at the University of California. He married in Cleveland in 1911 and later became the president and treasurer of Esplanade Realty Co. His involvement in the local community is noted through his membership in the Chamber of Commerce.
Percy W. Thomas, born on January 28, 1897, in Promise, Oregon, recently passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Livermore, California. A World War I veteran, he served as a wireless operator in the Signal Corps. Following the war, he worked on a fig farm in Planada, California, until his health declined. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Joseph Lloyd of Imbler, while his parents and one brother predeceased him. He was interred at the government cemetery in San Francisco.
Keith Earl Sprague, born in 1881 in Wilson County, Kansas, emerged as a prominent figure in local finance, becoming president of the Benedict State Bank in 1913. A graduate of Kansas University, Sprague’s career included pharmacy, a stint in California during the San Francisco earthquake, and partnership in a mercantile venture with his father. Active in community affairs and politics, he is a member of several Masonic organizations and owns significant property in Wilson County. Sprague’s legacy is deeply rooted in the development of the region’s financial institutions.
Lucy E. Tierney, born April 12, 1889, in Wallowa County, passed away on June 19, 1919, in Richmond, California, after enduring declining health. She had moved to California in hopes of recovery, with her mother by her side during her final moments. She is survived by her parents, T.C. and Mrs. Bunnell, and siblings Thomas E., Clarence M. Bunnell, and Mrs. C. E. Hart. Funeral services were held in Enterprise, where she was laid to rest.
Douglas L. Cracraft, 72, passed away on July 25, 2006, in Enterprise, Oregon. Born on September 23, 1933, in Hillsborough, Kansas, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and became a fire captain in Pleasanton, California. He later worked for the U.S. Forest Service and served as an Alcohol and Drug Intervention Director. Cracraft was an outdoor enthusiast and a member of Ingle Chapel Congregational Church. He is survived by his wife Jan, children, and grandchildren. Funeral services were held, with memorial contributions directed to local hospice and cancer societies.